Iraqi forces kill ISIL commander in Mosul

Government soldiers try to retake strategic bridge in ISIL-held western Mosul, but snipers slow the advance.

14 Mar 2017 20:35 GMT

Iraq forces used armoured vehicles and tanks to attack snipers trying to pin down troops on Tuesday [Reuters]

Iraqi forces said they had killed the commander of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Mosul's Old City as the battle for the group's last stronghold in the country focused on a strategic bridge crossing the River Tigris.

Federal police said they killed Abu Abdul Rahman al-Ansary, military commander of the Old City, during operations to clear Bab al-Tob district.

With many ISIL leaders having already retreated from Mosul, Ansary's death comes as a blow to the group as it defends shrinking control of Iraq's second-largest city.